Ford Motor Company Fuel Cell

FORD - FUTURE TECHNOLOGY WATCH

Many of the advanced technologies and significant issues remain to be resolved before implementation. Inhibitors which could delay or preclude implementation might include unproven reliability, vehicle packaging issues and cost .vs. value as perceived by the customer.

Fuel Cell

part 16 of 31

What it is :

A fuel cell is an electrochemical device that converts chemical energy from hydrogen (or other fuel) and an oxidant into electricity. Electricity from fuel cells will power electric motors at each wheel of future vehicles. Fuel cells consist of a fuel supply (typically hydrogen), an oxidant (typically oxygen from air), two porous electrodes (anode and cathode), and an electrolyte (between the electrodes). A catalyst (e.g., platinum) speeds up reactions. A single fuel cell is several millimeters thick. To power a vehicle, fuel cells are connected in series to provide appropriate operating voltage.

How it works :

Fuel cells combine hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity and water. In a typical fuel cell, hydrogen fed to the anode is catalytically oxidized to produce hydrogen ions (H+) and electrons (e-). Electrons flow through an electrical load (e.g., electric motor) into the cathode. Hydrogen ions flowing from anode through electrolyte to cathode complete the circuit. Oxygen fed to the cathode combines with hydrogen ions and electrons to produce water. Hydrogen fuel can be stored on-board the vehicle as compressed gas, cryogenic liquid or metal hydride. It also can be re-formed from a liquid fuel such as methanol or gasoline. Customer benefits: An environmentally friendly vehicle that doesn't deplete fossil fuel reserves. A direct hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicle would be a true zero-emission vehicle, water being the only by-product. And there is a virtually unlimited potential supply of hydrogen to be distilled from water (although currently very costly). While a fuel cell vehicle powered by converted gasoline or methanol would not have true zero-emissions, its projected fuel economy would be two and a half times that of a conventionally powered vehicle.

Ford status:

Under development.